The Silk Roads

‘The promotion of Zoroastrianism was accompanied by the suppression of local cults and rival cosmologies, which were dismissed as evil doctrines.’

‘Christianity first spread east via the Jewish communities who had lived in Mesopotamia since the Babylonian exile.’

‘I commend these persons to you for your protection ... cherish them with your customary humanity and kindness; for by this proof of faith you will secure an immeasurable benefit both to yourself and us.’

‘The beast will be killed at its preordained time.’

‘Be certain ... the disciples of Christ ... do not practise the condemnable habits of these pagan peoples.’

Rome’s transition into an empire had little to do with Europe or with establishing control across a continent that was poorly supplied with the kind of resources and cities that were honeypots of consumers and taxpayers.

The capture of Egypt transformed Rome’s fortunes.

According to the historian Strabo, within a few years of the occupation of Egypt, 120 Roman boats were sailing for India each year from the port of Myos Hormos on the Red Sea.

Commerce opened the door for faith to flow through.

As the Roman merchants began to trade, the outflow of capital on this scale had far-reaching consequences.